UK Unemployment Hits Five-Year High; Iran and US Agree on Nuclear Talks 'Guiding Principles'
LONDON - February 17, 2026 - The UK's unemployment rate climbed to its highest level in nearly five years, reaching 5.2% at the end of 2025, according to official figures released Tuesday. Simultaneously, in Geneva, Iran and the United States announced an agreement on "guiding principles" following fresh talks regarding Tehran's nuclear capabilities.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the rise in UK unemployment, up from 5.1% in the three months to November, was particularly acute among young people. Unemployment for those aged 16 to 24 surged to 16.1%, the highest in over a decade. While wages continued to rise faster than prices, the rate of growth slowed. Many businesses have slowed hiring, citing measures in recent government budgets.
In related economic news, the UK government's decision to freeze tax thresholds until 2031 could lead to higher tax payments for some, even with rising salaries. According to BBC Business, wages have been rising faster than prices for the last two-and-a-half years, the longest stretch since the 2008 financial crisis.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqhchi, stated that while a comprehensive agreement might not be imminent, the "path has started" following talks with the United States. Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, described the discussions as "constructive" and noted "good progress," according to Sky News.
In other international developments, the issue of disappearances in Mexico continues to raise concerns. The Guardian reported a surge of 200% in disappearances over the past decade, with over 130,000 people currently considered missing or disappeared.
Additionally, the situation in the Chagos Islands remains a point of contention. Senior Legal Advisor at Human Rights Watch, Clive Baldwin, highlighted the ongoing "crimes against humanity against the islands Indigenous people," according to Al Jazeera.
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